Australia Day honour for ACU Christian Brother

Professor Jude Butcher cfc, Director of the Institute for Advancing Community Engagement (IACE) at Australian Catholic University (ACU), was awarded an Australia Day honour this week.

Professor Butcher was appointed a Member (AM) in the Order of Australia for service to teacher education, particularly in the Catholic sector, and to the community through contributions to social justice.

Professor Butcher said he was humbled but very affirmed by the honour bestowed on him.

“In accepting this award I wish to acknowledge the people in the community, schools, and the University who have called for me to be engaged with them in a variety of ways,” he said.

Based at the University’s Strathfield Campus, Professor Butcher has been the Director of IACE for more than three years. He previously held the position of Head of School of Education and Head of Department of Education at the University and its predecessor colleges for more than 30 years.

Professor Jude Butcher

Professor Butcher said “At IACE we concentrate on three priority themes – Beyond Disadvantage, Beyond Borders and Beyond Differences. From within the University we are bringing our expertise and capabilities to these key areas to make a culturally relevant and sustainable difference.”

Professor Butcher has been involved in Indigenous education for almost 20 years and in educational capacity building in East Timor for more than seven years.

Professor Greg Craven, Vice-Chancellor of ACU, said the Australia Day honour was well-deserved.

“As a Christian Brother, Professor Butcher’s contributions to teacher education and social justice are a public expression of his ministry within the Church and the wider world,” he said.